Rail Online launches French fares for 2023 Rugby World Cup alongside epic agent prize

Rail Online launches French fares for 2023 Rugby World Cup alongside epic agent prize
Edited by Travel Weekly


Rail Online is now offering French rail fares for travel until 8 November, allowing on-the-ball travel agents to book key train journeys for customers travelling to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The opening match and the 2023 final of the World Cup will take place at the Stade de France, Paris, with another eight cities also hosting games, including Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne, Nice, Nantes and Toulouse.

France’s rail networks will be the primary mode of transport for the more than 600,000 fans expected to attend this year’s event, with Australian supporters expected to strongly favour journeys between Paris (where the Wallabies play Georgia) and the cities of Lyon (Wales) and Saint-Etienne (Fiji and Portugal).

“Tickets for travel on French trains have historically only been made available 90 days prior to travel,” general manager (AU, NZ), Rail Online, Kirsty Blows, said.

“So the earlier release this year provides a great opportunity for agents to complete customers’ travel arrangements ahead of schedule. Tickets can be secured for the duration of the event, which takes place entirely in France between 8 September to 28 October 2023.”

She also advises agents to book Eurostar services (tickets now available), which are expected to experience high passenger loads before, during and after the World Cup.

Meanwhile, agents are reminded that Rail Online is currently giving away an environmentally-friendly e-scooter – along with cash vouchers – in its first major travel agent sales incentive.

The individual agent achieving the highest total value of sales through Rail Online between 22 May and 30 June will ride off with an e-Scooter valued at $1,000. In addition, Oceania’s fastest-growing rail specialist is giving away cash vouchers ranging from $300 to $50 to four other top performing agents.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Emirates debuts new uniform for Premium and VIP Passenger Services team

Emirates has debuted a new uniform designed for its Premium & VIP Passengers Services team, who are responsible for the seamless transfer of VIPs through Dubai International Airport. The new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers. A new look […]

  • Appointments
  • News

BEIA appoints Rachel Cook as its new chair

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group has appointed Rachel Cook as its new chair. Cook is the business director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. She plays a pivotal role in building and supporting […]

  • Hotels

Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the […]

  • News

New Caledonia is open and ready for business as Smartraveller downgrades warning

Eight months after the civil unrest, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia has reopened and is ready to welcome Australian tourists. Smartraveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation’s curfew on the 2nd of December. The island is currently rated as amber – ‘exercise a high […]

  • Business Travel
  • Hotels

Atura Wellington unveils newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel

Atura Wellington, the former Thorndon Hotel by Rydges, has unveiled its newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel. The rooms were completed following a full refurbishment of all public spaces as part of a broader redevelopment plan. All 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded. The hotel is in the historic Thorndon neighbourhood and […]